Democratic Party of DuPage County Marks Ramadan with Interfaith Iftar

Muslim Holy month Ramadan, which begins this year on March 23rd, Muslims around the world abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset.

Approximately 200 people gathered at the Falak Restaurant & Banquets, Lombard on Thursday, April 6, 2023, for an interfaith Iftar dinner. The aim of the purpose is to Build Relationships and understanding with People from Different Cultures between all faiths. The event was hosted by Democratic Party of DuPage County and Saba Haider & Mohammed Mortoja organized the event.

Visitors and Guests got the opportunity to enjoy a meal together (Iftar), learn more about Ramadan and its significance, and could ask questions and learn.

The guest list included Democratic Party of DuPage County Chair Ken Mejia Beal, State Representative Nabeela, Syed State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid and several others.

Dr. Sabeel Ahmed, Executive Director of the Gain Peace Project, an outreach project of Islamic Circle of North America, who came from Morton Grove specially for this event was the keynote speaker.

"The aim was to get together as a community, prayer and support to foster compassion for all people," said Mohammed Mortoja.

“Today we bring together people of different faiths to drive equality, human rights, and opportunity,” said Saba Haider.

While speaking on the occasion, State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid highlights about Diversity and Democracy, “It is a great time to fast together in the holy months of many faiths is a beautiful example of showing respect for each other proud to have a general Assembly that is committed to making our state welcoming and inclusive for all.”

State Representative Nabeela shared the story of the first day of Ramadan in the Illinois general assembly, she said, “I got impressed by several colleagues of the general assembly. They ask about my fast and health. During my speech I share the benefits of Fasting in Ramadan. It was such a great experience.”

DuPage County Attorney Azam Nizamuddin was recently appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to serve as a Commissioner on the Commission on Professionalism. He Discussed the history of American Muslims

Dr. Sabeel Ahmed highlights similarities between Islam and Christianity and brings people together during the holidays. He also talks about the similarities between the faiths and Islam.

Before the breaking the fast, a call to prayer was announced with its meaning in the subtitles, followed by a prayer

During the Iftar meal, guests thanked the Democratic Party of DuPage County for presenting the delicious meals at this Iftar meal and valued the intimate conversations around the dinner table.